| |

Sligo County Development Board

Sligo County Development Board in their Ten Year Strategy 2002-2012 highlighted the need for targeted intervention in CLAR areas to stimulate and create economic activity and assist with the regeneration of smaller towns and villages in the county that have suffered from population decline and emigration over the past few decades.

Sligo County Development Board in their Ten Year Strategy 2002-2012 highlighted the need for targeted intervention in CLAR areas to stimulate and create economic activity and assist with the regeneration of smaller towns and villages in the county that have suffered from population decline and emigration over the past few decades.

In particular the CDB identified the towns of Enniscrone in West Sligo and Tubbercurry in South Sligo as important second tier, key support towns which have not benefited from the economic boom of the late 1990’s to any great extent and which service extensive rural hinterlands.

In May 2006, an Economic Development Officer was appointed with the remit of developing an Economic Development Strategy for both areas. This is a two year project, funded under the Dormant Accounts Funds.

Aims/Objectives of the project.

  • Development of an Economic Development Strategy for both areas.
  • Community Enterprise Space – develop a marketing strategy for existing space in Enniscrone and access the feasibility of developing same in Tubbercurry.
  • Provide assistance with improving the overall aesthetic look of both areas.
  • Advice on Business Start-up and expansion in conjunction with Sligo C.E.B.
  • The main aim of this project is to provide a focused, cohesive and strategic approach to development in Enniscrone and Tubbercurry.

In order to ensure the focused and strategic management of the Economic Development project a steering group was established with representatives from:

  • Enniscrone and District Community Development Ltd
  • Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce
  • Sligo County Enterprise Board
  • Sligo County Council – Community and Enterprise.

SUMMARY OF WORK TO DATE

Both Economic Development Strategies are now near completion. Draft copies were circulated in Enniscrone and Tubbercurry and community feedback invited. All feedback has now been considered and included in the Strategies.

Business and Street Survey’s were carried out in both Tubbercurry and Enniscrone, with Public Consultation Sessions also being held in both areas. The Street Survey was also conducted in both secondary schools – in order to be fully inclusive we consulted a broad range of age groups. The results of both surveys form the core content of the Economic Development Strategies.

Priority projects have now been identified in both areas and working groups have been established around these projects. The aim of these working groups is to plan for and undertake tangible activity for the benefit of the community and to work in partnership with Sligo County Council, funding and state agencies.

Working groups have been established in Enniscrone to look at the development of:

  • The Castle Field – a community owned area in the centre of the town.
  • Tourism – primarily the extension of the tourist season.
  • Walking – the development of a number of walking groups in and around Enniscrone.
  • Pier/Marina – this group is examining the feasibility of developing a marina in Enniscrone and improving current facilities at the pier.
  • Water Activity Centre – to provide facilities for surfers, divers and other water based activities.

In Tubbercurry working groups have been established to look at the following:

  • Tourism – develop a number of walking routes in and around Tubbercurry and to also undertake a number of small projects at Lough Easkey, Beal an Eassa Waterfalls, Masshill.
  • Business and Enterprise Development - currently considering several options for the development of Community Enterprise Units in Tubbercurry.

This group is concerned with the provision of training and as much back up support as possible for small businesses in the area. A Start Your Own Business Course, in conjunction with Sligo County Council and Sligo County Enterprise Board was held to provide training and advise.
wai-aa Valid CSS! Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional